DOVER – The City closed all facilities and administrative offices at 2 p.m. Monday due to the high winds and rain coming from Hurricane Sandy.

The storm will continue to be monitored by emergency officials and crews and equipment are prepared. Residents are being asked to prepare for severe weather and power outages.

As of 4 p.m. Monday, Public Service of New Hampshire was reporting 3,255 customers without power in Dover already.

Governor Lynch has declared a State of Emergency for New Hampshire. City Manager Michael Joyal said in a public statement that motorists are urged to stay off the road late Monday afternoon and into Monday evening.

“The Governor will be closing state offices and is encouraging businesses to allow workers to travel home and remain off the roadways throughout the height of the storm and high winds. As a result, all City of Dover administrative offices and recreation facilities will be closing at 2 p.m. this afternoon and are currently expected to reopen for regular operations Tuesday morning,” Joyal said.

The National Weather Service is also predicting the most severe effects from Hurricane Sandy in Dover to be between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Monday. Winds are expected to increase to 25 to 35 mph, with wind gusts reaching as high as 60 mph. Rain fall is expected to reach one to three inches locally.

“The effects of this storm for us here in Dover could possibly be downed trees creating the potential for traffic hazards, damaged buildings and the resulting power outage events. Our streams and rivers should be able to handle the forecasted amount of rain at this time of year and flooding is not expected to be a big problem but we will be alert for any possible localized street and high tide related flooding,” City Manager Michael Joyal said in a public statement.

A shelter at Dover Baptist Church, located at 151 Washington St., will open at 7 p.m. Monday and remain open as long as it's needed. The shelter can accommodate service animals, but no pets. Residents seeking shelter are also asked to bring their medication and personal items.

An update regarding the storm and Dover's response will be provided again at approximately 6 p.m. this evening.